Cairnmillar Institute CEO Kathryn von Treuer, has extended an invitation for individuals affected by COVID-19 social distancing issues to take advantage of a series of free counselling and mental health sessions at the Cairnmillar Institute – all of which can be accessed remotely and in confidence. The offer comes in the wake of a sudden spike in anxiety levels across Australia as individuals struggle to come to terms with the practical realities around social distancing during the unprecedented pandemic. As Cairnmillar Institute Clinical Psychologist, Mandy Taylor has pointed out, people are dealing with a lot of unexpected changes and worries. Issues such as job security, working from home with children, and income decline for casual employees and small business owners, are already taking their toll on the nation’s mental health.

Cairnmillar Institute Clinical Psychologist, Mandy Taylor said:

“We’re already seeing the signs of people who are struggling. We know that anxiety is a response to threat, and many people are reacting to both the media and their current situations with heightened anxiety. This isn’t just affecting people with existing mental health issues; it’s becoming problem for a vast proportion of the population. Signs to look out for include; irritability, feeling triggered into having arguments, loss of appetite, changes to your sleep, and excessive worry around loved ones.”

Getting on to good mental health services early is likely to have a positive outcome for individuals in the long term. Cairnmillar Community Clinics offer private, professional sessions with Provisional Psychologists and Counsellors. Charitable donations to the Cairnmillar Trust have enabled this offer of free sessions to occur.

For more information, contact Clinical Psychologist Mandy Taylor 0413 786 206  or Dr Leanne Downing, Director, Affect Media on 0406 251 406.

The Cairnmillar Institute is a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity. They have been providing counselling and mental health education to the community for nearly 60 years.